The Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology (COXBIT), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, organized a Training Programme on Strategic Action Plan Preparation for MSMEs on October 29th, 2025. The event held as part of the Tamil Nadu Food Processing and Agri Export Promotion Corporation (TNAPEx) under the RAMP initiative, aimed at enhancing innovation, product development and competitiveness among MSMEs in the State.
Under the TNAPEx–RAMP Programme, 10 MSMEs were selected for new product development and technical assistance at COXBIT, namely M/s. Aviva Organics Stores, M/s. Thennaivanam, M/s. Bublbox E-Retail Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Croptwin Agro Tech Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Nature Mills Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Sherpa Biotech, Ms. Parvin Banu A (Research Scholar, Seed Centre, TNAU), M/s. Myco Enrich Foods, M/s. Pechi Foods Pvt. Ltd. and M/s. Ziwwit Sustainable Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Each will be provided with financial assistance of Rs. 1,00,000 for a new product development in the food processing and value-addition sector.
Thiru Atul Anand, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. He interacted with the MSMEs and startups selected under TNAPEx-RAMP, emphasized the importance of value addition, innovation and technology integration to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s MSME sector. He also facilitated the awardees and elaborated on key government initiatives, including the NEEDS Scheme, Startup Seed Fund Scheme, Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS), Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam and other capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The collaboration between COXBIT and the Department of MSMEs under TNAPEx focuses on providing technical mentorship, product validation, analytical support and innovation guidance to enterprises. This initiative bridges the gap between scientific research and industrial application, enabling MSMEs to access solutions for market-ready product development.
Addressing the participants, Dr. R. Kannan, CEO, TANCOIR and Th. P. Shanmugasiva, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Coimbatore, highlighted the export–import opportunities, e-commerce platforms and market access facilities available for MSMEs to expand their global reach.
The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. N. Senthil, Director (CPMB&B) and COXBIT, TNAU. Dr. E. Kokiladevi, Professor and Head, Department of Plant Biotechnology, TNAU, delivered the welcome address. Mrs. C. Gayathiri, StartupTN Regional hub Coimbatore, presented the strategic action plan for MSMEs and detailed funding opportunities through StartupTN and other Tamil Nadu Government programmes supporting innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Dr. V. Rajanbabu, Assistant Professor, DPB & Principal Investigator of the project proposed the vote of thanks. COXBIT Team coordinated the overall event. The programme provided a constructive platform for MSMEs, startups and government departments to share insights, explore collaborative opportunities and align their strategies with Tamil Nadu’s vision for sustainable industrial growth.